Council votes against the planning resolution for the Bayer 04 Campus in Monheim: “We will remain determined”

Fernando Carro, CEO, said: “This vote is a huge disappointment for us. After ten years of planning, numerous assessed sites and painful adjustments to our concept, we would welcome the opportunity to have our project professionally assessed from now on through an orderly process. We will carefully analyse the decision taken by Monheim’s politicians, and we will remain determined – I promise that. Our goal has not changed: Over the long term, we want to – and must – create the conditions necessary for Bayer 04 Leverkusen to remain competitive both nationally and internationally.”

Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 managing director sport, said after the debate in the council chamber: “This outcome is, of course, very disappointing for us. The Campus is and remains Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s most important project for the future. Without a modern training centre, it will become increasingly difficult to remain internationally competitive over the long term. The close result, as well as the public support shown by numerous local sports clubs, businesses and initiatives, encourages us to continue on our path and confirms that many people share our views. We will therefore continue the dialogue and keep promoting the fact that this Campus represents a major opportunity for Monheim, the region and Bayer 04. It creates prospects for sport, generates additional jobs, strengthens the regional economy and enables new partnerships with schools and sports clubs.”